System for automatic opening of reagent vessels

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an analysis system which, by means of a reagent cartridge opening module, permits automatic opening of reagent vessels which are closed by screwing. The reagent cartridge opening module for this purpose has catch elements which can lock securely against rotation in correspondingly configured catch elements of a reagent vessel lid. In addition, the reagent cartridge opening module and the reagent vessel lid are connected via snap-in elements, so that transport of the reagent vessel lid perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is possible.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic analysisdevices in which a large number of reagents can often be simultaneouslyaccommodated and processed. In this connection, it is desirable topermit, as far as possible, fully automatic handling of samples andreagents in the analysis devices so that no manual handling steps arenecessary. This makes it possible to simplify and accelerate manyanalysis procedures, and mistakes due to human error during the analysisprocedure can be minimized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stringent demands are placed on automatic analysis devices, especiallyin large-scale laboratories in which a high sampling rate must bepermitted. Here, the analysis devices must be able to deal with a largenumber of reaction vessels with different samples and must be able toallocate these to different reagent containers. In this connection,pipetting devices, inter alia, are used to permit analysis of a sampleby addition of the corresponding reagents and also further sampleprocessing steps. Thus, with fully automatic treatment of reagents andsamples, even labour-intensive analysis procedures can be performedreliably and quickly without requiring the involvement of specializedpersonnel for specialized analysis procedures. A demand placed on afully or partially automated analysis procedure is, for example, thehandling of sample quantities of different sizes which require acorresponding quantity of reagents. A fully automatic analysis systemhas to satisfy a wide variety of requirements. There are analysissystems with a high throughput and others with a low throughput, as areoutlined in brief below.

In analysis systems for low throughputs of reagents, the cycle time forliquid removal is approximately 4 to 10 seconds, with the pipettingneedle piercing the vessel lid upon each removal. The reagent cartridgehas a relatively long dwell time on the device because of the lowthroughput. The dwell time is extended still further if the reagentcartridge contains seldom used reagents which are not often called uponand which accordingly can remain for up to 4 weeks in the analysissystem with low throughputs. In these reagent cartridges, there is aneed for a high level of protection against evaporation.

In analysis systems distinguished by a high throughput of reagents,there is generally a short cycle time of between 1 and 4 seconds for thepipetting and the positioning of reagent rotor and pipetting needle.Because of the short cycle time, piercing of the funnels with thepipetting needle is not possible. Because of the high throughput ofreagents, the dwell time of the respective reagent cartridges on suchanalysis systems is only one to two days, for which reason evaporationfrom an opened flask can be tolerated here.

The handling of very small volumes is described, for example, in EP 0504 967. Said document discloses reagent containers which permit theremoval of small volumes and in which evaporation or aging of theremaining fluid in the container during further processing steps isavoided.

For this purpose, the reagent container has a suitably designed lidwhich, on one hand, is suitable for removal of liquid and, on the otherhand, suppresses evaporation of the contents of the container. The lidhas, in the middle of its base, a circular opening which is directedinto the lid interior and opens out in a conical tip. For removing asample, the tip of the cone is first pierced so that a pipetting needle,which is provided for removing very small sample quantities, can then beintroduced into the vessel. When the reagent has been removed from thevessel, a small opening remains exclusively at the tip of the cylinder.After removal of the sample, the small opening at the cylinder tip ofthe lid also ensures that almost no liquid evaporates from the reagentcontainer and that the content of the vessel does not undergo changesdue to contact with, for example, atmospheric humidity or oxygen in theenvironment. Further details of this vessel closure can be taken fromthe prior art.

However, if a higher throughput and shorter processing times are to beachieved, the pipetting device, if it is to permit efficient handling ofsamples, must be equipped with correspondingly large pipetting tips totake up liquid. To ensure that in this case too the larger pipettingtips can still be inserted into the interior of the reagent vessel, alarger opening in the lid would be necessary.

In the prior art, many possible ways are described for producingopenings in a closure of a reagent vessel. As is described in patentsU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,255,101 and 3,991,896, this can be done by means of aball being pushed through the shaft of a reagent vessel lid with the aidof a pin. The ball is pushed into the interior of the reagent containerso that reagent liquid can then be removed through the shaft. Otherpossibilities, for example piercing a closure cap by means of a cannulaas in document WO 83/01912, are likewise conceivable. The diameter ofthe opening can be chosen according to the size of the shaft or thecannula.

An alternative to an enlarged opening in a reagent closure involvesremoving the lid of the reagent containers prior to use.

In the prior art, this type of sample handling is used, for example, inanalysis systems in the field of clinical-chemical analysis ofbiological samples. To remove a desired quantity of liquid reagent, thereagent is removed from the open reagent container and is transferred bymeans of an automatic pipetting device into a reaction cuvette. For eachpipetting procedure, an electromechanically driven arm of the pipettingdevice is guided to an open reagent container so that handling ofsamples can take place in the desired manner. The content of a standardreagent container in this case suffices for a large number of pipettingprocedures. In this connection, it has been found that fluid evaporatesduring the analysis method before it can be completely used up, on onehand through the removal of the reagent closure and on the other handthrough the creation of a large opening in a closure cap. Especially inrooms with low atmospheric humidity, considerable amounts of the reagentsolution are often lost through evaporation. One consequence of this isthat the evaporation causes an increase in the concentration of thereagent in the fluid. By contrast, the volume of the reagent solutionincreases when using open reagent containers in rooms with relativelyhigh atmospheric humidity, or through condensation water forming whencooled reagents are used so that the reagent concentration decreasesover the course of time. Moreover, when open reagent containers areused, there is an exchange of gas with the surrounding air, which amongother things causes aging of a reagent. Such effects on the reagent, inparticular on the reagent concentration, result in a deterioration inthe analysis precision. It has additionally been found that a removal ofthe reagent closure often has to be done manually. Under thesecircumstances, the laboratory personnel must take new reagent containersfrom their packaging and first of all remove the closure in order thento place the open reagent container in the analysis system in place ofan empty reagent container. Since it often happens that many differentreagents are needed at different times in one and the same analysissystem, manual handling by laboratory personnel requires considerablelabor. When reclosing the containers, it must additionally be ensuredthat the closures are not mixed up. In procedures carried out manually,the possible confusion of the closures represents a source ofuncertainty.

In the prior art, therefore, methods are described which permitautomatic removal of a reagent container closure. The document EP 0 930504 discloses a lid-gripping device which is intended for automatichandling of a lid on sample vessels. The lid of the sample vessels inthis case has a spike around which the lid-gripping device can grip. Bymeans of a chuck, the lid is held so securely that, when thelid-gripping device is lifted, the lid is completely detached from thevessel, while a holding-down sleeve holds the vessel down to preventlifting of the vessel.

The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,489 likewise discloses an automaticsystem for opening reagent vessels. Here, a pin of a gripping device isinserted into a groove provided for this purpose in the lid. At one end,the pin has a bead which allows the pin to be clamped in the groove ofthe lid. The lid can then be removed from the reagent vessel by liftingthe pin.

Moreover, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,059, a device is described which allowsa lid to be removed from the reagent vessel. However, the prior artdescribed discloses only an automatic opening of reagent vessels closedby a stopper. Usually, stoppers are only used to close test tubes inwhich, for example, blood or another liquid from the human or animalbody is received, but not reagent vessels. A disadvantage of the priorart is in this case that the mechanisms described do not permit openingof a screw-type closure of a reagent vessel. In practice, however, ithas been found that, for reagent vessels which often contain a volatilefluid, a screwable closure is particularly suitable since such ascrew-type closure guarantees a reliable sealing of the vessel.

In the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,340 describes the removal of areagent closure which is secured on the vessel by screwing. In thiscase, opener and reagent lid interact in the manner of a bayonetclosure. Through a guide groove formed in the reagent closure, theautomatic opener can insert a pin along the guide groove by rotationinto the lid until this is mounted against a limit stop of the guidegroove. If the rotational movement is continued in this direction,turning the lid off from the reagent vessel is possible. By rotating theopener in the opposite direction, the connection between lid and openeris released again. A disadvantage of the prior art is the fact that aprecise production of the bayonet closure on the lid is an essentialrequirement for ensuring the functional reliability of the system. Thescrewing operation, after filling of the vessel, must guarantee anarrowly tolerated angle position of the bayonet closure and also have agood sealing effect.

Moreover, the opener must be guided with precision to the respectivereagent vessel to permit engagement of the pin of the opener in thebayonet closure. This requires either a precise placement of the reagentvessels in the analysis system or a detection of position by theanalysis system for the respective reagent vessel. Moreover, complextools are needed for producing the reagent lid, with the result that theproduction costs are increased. Particularly in the case of reagentvessels handled as disposable articles, this is a considerabledisadvantage. Before the opener, after removal of a first lid, can beused again to open reagent vessels, the lid additionally has to beremoved from the opener. In the example described, additional measuresare needed to do this, which measures permit rotation of the lid in theopposite direction so that the lid can be removed from the opener.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of theprior art. This is to be done by permitting automatic opening of reagentvessels in an analysis device by means of unscrewing, without having tomake extensive demands on the method sequences in the analysis deviceand on the system itself. The invention therefore has the object ofmaking available a system for opening reagent vessels, and also suitablereagent vessels, with a screwable closure as such, with which said aimsare achieved.

The invention includes a system and a method for opening reagentvessels. The system has a carrier and a centering unit which isessentially guided inside the carrier. At a lower end of the carrierthere is a catch element which is so configured that it can locksecurely against rotation in a lid provided for this purpose. If thecatch element of the carrier is then turned, the movement of the catchelement causes a rotational movement of the lid, so that a screwconnection can be released. By contrast, the centering unit has, at alower end, a snap-in element which can engage in a snap-fit connectionwith a lid provided for this purpose. Before the locking of the catchelements in a lid that is to be opened, the centering unitadvantageously first engages in a snap-fit connection. When thecentering unit is connected to the lid in this way, the existingsnap-fit connection indirectly permits a relative positioning of thecarrier with respect to the vessel lid and thus easy guiding of thecatch elements to one another. The catch element of the carrier can nowlock correspondingly into a catch element of the lid. If a centering ofthe system is advantageously performed in the described manner, methodsteps for opening reagent vessels in the analysis system can besimplified, since it is possible to some extent to do without a preciseguidance of the opener to the reagent vessel, in particular of therespective catch elements to one another. The described preliminarycentering of the system consequently also makes it possible to use catchelements of small size without greater demands having to be placed inparticular on the method sequence. When the lid is connected to thesnap-in element and the latter is unscrewed from the reagent vessel bymeans of a rotational movement, the detached lid can be transported awayfrom the reagent vessel by means of a movement of the snap-in elementwhich is essentially perpendicular to the plane of the rotationalmovement, in which process the lid remains clinging to the snap-inelement.

The invention further includes reagent vessels with a screwable lid,which reagent vessels can be opened with a system according to theinvention. For this purpose, the reagent vessels comprise a vessel witha vessel neck which has a thread. The reagent vessels can be connectedto a lid by screwing and are closed by said lid. The lid comprises ajacket in the form of a hollow cylinder which, on its inside, has athread which interacts with the thread on the vessel neck in such a waythat a snap-fit connection between lid and reagent vessel is permitted.Sealing between lid and reagent vessel is achieved with the aid of asealing lip.

The hollow cylinder formed by the jacket is closed by a cover plate onthe top face of the hollow cylinder, so that the lid remains opentowards its bottom face and can be turned over the vessel neck. The lidalso has a snap-in element and a catch element. The elements are soconfigured that they can engage in a snap-fit connection with a systemfor opening reagent vessels and lock securely against rotation in thesystem.

The system for opening reagent vessels is advantageously used in ananalysis system. Here, the analysis system has at least one drive unitwhich drives the catch element of the carrier so that this turns. Withthe aid of the same drive unit or another drive unit, a linear movementof the centering unit is effected which is essentially perpendicular tothe plane of the rotational movement. One or more control units in theanalysis system match the movement of the carrier and of the centeringunit to one another so that a closure of a reagent vessel can beunscrewed and the lid can be transported away from the reagent vessel.

The invention permits automatic opening of a reagent vessel closed witha screw-type closure. In this respect, the invention is distinguished bya simple operating procedure involving the use of catch elements andsnap-in elements in the system. By assigning the movement patterns,namely a rotational movement, and a linear movement essentiallyperpendicular to the latter, to separate elements of the opener (carrierand centering unit), considerable simplifications in the structure ofthe opener and in the operating procedure are made possible. Accordingto the invention, a snap-fit connection, allowing the lid to cling tothe centering unit and thus permitting transport of the lid, is realizedseparately from the rotationally secure connection of the lid to thecarrier. In this way, it is possible, for example, to use simple androbust catch elements and snap-in elements which, particularly as usedin the vessel lid, permit economical production of the vessel closure.

In the context of the invention, the term locking is to be understood asany form of rotationally secure connection between the catch elements ofthe carrier and of the reagent vessel lid. For example, a rotationallysecure connection can be ensured by the catch elements engaging,abutting, etc., in one another.

In a preferred embodiment, in the operating procedure for openingreagent vessels in the manner described, the opener is first centeredrelative to the reagent vessel, in which the centering unit snaps into asnap-in element of the cover plate of the reagent vessel closure, beforerotationally secure locking takes place between the opener and a reagentvessel. If a snap-in element for the centering unit is provided in thecenter of the cover plate, and if the carrier is arranged concentricallyabout the centering unit, the carrier, and thus the catch elementarranged on the carrier, is automatically positioned relative to thecenter of the lid. The catch elements of the carrier and of the lid canin this way engage easily in one another, without exact control of thecarrier being required for this.

The catch elements and snap-in elements can take various forms. It hasbeen found that quite simple configurations permit a rotationally securelocking and secure connection of the respective elements. In anadvantageous embodiment, the cover plate of the closure is provided witha snap-in element in the form of a depression which ends in a taperedcone directed into the interior of the lid. A depression formed in thisway, as has already been described in the prior art in the document EP 0504 967, facilitates insertion of a corresponding snap-in element of thecentering unit into the reagent vessel lid.

To further adapt a depression, as described, to a snap-in element of anopener, it has proven advantageous that the depression, in its upperarea, has a protuberance, for example in the form of a ring, whichprojects into the interior of the hollow space formed by the depression.A corresponding snap-in element of the opener has a corresponding notchinto which the ring of the depression can snap. It is of course alsoconceivable for notches to be present inside the depression and for thesnap-in element of the opener to correspondingly have a convex shape. Inpractice, however, it has been found that a concave shape of the snap-inelement of the opener and a corresponding convex shape of the snap-inelement of the lid are easier to handle, since in this way it ispossible to achieve a more favourable distribution of stresses in thematerial of the lid. Given the stresses arising in the material, theachieved distribution of stresses permits a snap-fit connection.

A corresponding snap-in element of the opener advantageously has aconical shape. This makes it easier to insert the snap-in element into adepression, as described. When the opener is lowered onto the coverplate, the tapering conical shape of the depression permits an automaticpreliminary centering of the snap-in element in towards the center ofthe depression. Inexactly controlled operating procedures can becompensated for in this way.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the snap-in element to beintroduced into the depression without said depression having specialprotuberances or recesses. In this case, the snap-in element is simplyclamped within the depression, so that, within the meaning of theinvention, connections in which the snap-in element is securely clampedon the lid are also to be understood as snap-fit connections. Thisclamping can be supported by shaping of the snap-in element, asdescribed. To promote a snap-fit connection, it additionally provesadvantageous for the lid to be made of at least two different plasticswith different degrees of hardness. Here, for example, the depression ismade of a softer plastic than the rest of the lid. The lesser hardnessof the plastic makes it easier, at this location, to adapt thedepression to the snap-in element of the centering unit and thus achievea snap-fit connection with the opener, since the material has therequired elasticity for this. Because of the elasticity of thedepression, repeated insertion of the snap-in element into thedepression is also possible, without causing material fatigue whichleads to tears or other damage in the lid. The harder outer area of thelid, by contrast, has to withstand the acting torque during screwing andunscrewing of the lid and must do so without deformation, in particularof the catch elements. Repeated screwing and unscrewing of the lid isthus easily made possible.

For the catch elements on the opener and on the lid of the reagentvessel, a number of mutually adapted structures are likewiseconceivable. Thus, for example, channels or ribs both on the catchelement of the opener and also on the outer wall of the lid jacket arepossible, which ensure engagement and rotationally secure locking of thesnap-in elements in one another and permit turning of the lid. It isalso possible for the catch element of the opener and of the lid to eachhave toothed structures which engage in one another. The toothedstructure of the lid is advantageously formed in the cover plate, sothat the catch element of the opener can engage, directly on the coverplate, into the toothed structure of the lid. In a preferred embodiment,the teeth of the respective catch element have a bevel, so thatinsertion of the teeth in one another is made easier. If the catchelement of the lid is integrated into the cover plate, this permitsopening of the reagent vessels without the opener having to engagearound the jacket of the vessel closure. This minimizes the amount ofspace taken up by the opener during unscrewing in the analysis system.This proves advantageous especially in analysis systems which usereagent kits inside a cartridge, since in this case there is often noroom for engagement of an opener into the cartridge. The system thendepends on the opener taking up no space, or only minimal space, insidethe cartridge for the purpose of rotationally secure locking.Integration of the opener into conventional analysis systems shows thatan advantageous embodiment of this kind fulfills important conditionsand satisfies the strict demands on spatial adaptation of reagentcartridge, reagent vessel and analysis system. To satisfy the spatialdemands of an analysis system, the size of the reagent vessel and of theclosure can also be adapted to correspond to the available space. Forexample, embodiments are conceivable in which sufficient adaptation isafforded by reducing the diameter of the vessel neck or reducing thethread depth of the vessel neck and lid jacket. Advantageously, areliable sealing of the contents of the reagent vessel should also beguaranteed.

To permit automatic handling of a large number of reagent vessels, aclosure cap, after it has been unscrewed, has to be removed again fromthe opener. In this connection, it is conceivable for the reagent vesselto be closed again after the fluid has been withdrawn. If the lockedconnection between lid and opener is maintained during the operatingprocedure, the lid clinging to the opener can be placed back onto thevessel after the sample has been withdrawn, so that, by a correspondingrotational movement of the carrier, the reagent vessel can be reclosed.The snap-fit connection is then released by means of a movement of thesnap-in element away from the reagent vessel, this movement beingessentially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement. Thesnap-in element of the centering unit is withdrawn from the lid, and thelid remains on the vessel because of the screw connection. The opener isthus freed again, and the system can be used again to open furthervessels. To free the snap-in element of the opener, the reagentcontainer or lid is held down.

This operating procedure proves particularly advantageous when thereagent vessel contains fluids which, upon contact with the surroundingair, rapidly undergo aging effects, or in which the reagentconcentration is crucially impaired through condensation, for example ofatmospheric humidity, or through evaporation of the fluid. Reclosing ofthese vessels consequently avoids excessive impairment of the reagentsand can be easily realized by the device/method according to theinvention.

On the other hand, however, there is also the possibility of discardingthe lid after opening the vessel. To do so, the lid must be removed fromthe carrier, in which case, advantageously, the opener first positionsthe lid directly over a discard station provided for this purpose. In apreferred embodiment, the centering unit is guided movably inside thecarrier, so that the lid can be easily stripped from the opener, as isdescribed in more detail below. For this purpose, the centering unit ismoved along its longitudinal axis, while the carrier remains fixed inposition in the system. With the lid now clinging to the centering unit,it is moved inside the carrier, by the movement of the centering unit,until the lid is brought up against, for example, a projection providedin the carrier. A continuation of the movement of the centering unitthen has the effect that the lid is pressed against the projection untilthe lid detaches from the snap-in element. The lid can thus be strippedfrom the centering unit without the need for additional movements ordevices in the system.

Moreover, a centering unit guided movably inside the carrier permits animproved positioning of the opener relative to the reagent vesselclosure, said positioning being realized particularly easily in thisway. A preliminary centering of the carrier by means of a snap-fitconnection of the centering unit to the lid, as described, is thus easyto achieve.

In addition, a preliminary centering of the carrier can be achieved ifthe carrier is designed in the form of an outer sleeve which can bepushed over a partial area of the vessel closure.

For this purpose, the sleeve is initially pushed over a first area ofthe vessel lid so that a partial area of the vessel closure issurrounded by the sleeve of the carrier. In the inside of the sleeve,the carrier advantageously has catch elements which initially lie on thecatch elements of the lid when the sleeve surrounds the first area ofthe vessel lid. Vessel lid and carrier are now positioned relative toone another in this way, without the catch elements locking in oneanother at this point. By means of a rotational movement of the sleeve,the catch elements of the carrier and the catch elements of the lid cannow be displaced relative to one another, the preliminary centering ofopener and lid with respect to one another being maintained. A movementof the sleeve relative to the lid takes place until the catch elementsengage and lock in one another. So that pushing the sleeve over the liddoes not require additional space in the analysis system for the opener,an advantageous embodiment of the reagent vessel has a lid which has areduced diameter in the area in which the sleeve is pushed over the lid.This is often obtained by reducing the jacket thickness of the lid,which usually has channels/notches due to manufacturing processes. Suchchannels or notches are generally required for the production process sothat machine closure of the reagent vessels is made easier. If the outerradius of the lid is to be reduced, the formation of these channels isadvantageously omitted in the upper area, so that the surface of thejacket lid in this area is smooth. The radius of the lid is thus reducedin this area by the depth of the channels. This advantageous embodimentthus also satisfies the strict space requirements of commerciallystandard analysis systems, as described above.

In an advantageous embodiment, the reagent vessels are connected in acartridge to form a reagent kit. For example, such a cartridge isrealized by a holding element, as is described in the prior art, forexample in the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,934. Said document disclosesa large number of reagent vessels which, at the reagent vessel neck andthe closure area, are positioned relative to one another by means of aplate with corresponding recesses. The recesses provided for the reagentvessel neck and closure area are in this case adapted with an exact fitto the circumference of the reagent vessel lid, so that there isessentially no clearance between the lids and the plate. The result isthat it is not possible to unscrew the lid using an opener which has toengage around the lid edge during unscrewing. Advantageously, suchreagent kits can be opened using an opener according to the invention inwhich the catch element has a toothed structure, the reagent vesselsaccording to the invention being closed with a lid which, as catchelements, has a complementary toothed structure on the cover plate.Engagement of the opener around the lid can thus be avoided.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to thefollowing examples, the embodiments being described by way ofillustration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows an opening module of an analysis system in a perspectiveview.

FIG. 1 b shows the side view of the opening module from FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 c shows the area of the snap-in element of the opening module onan enlarged scale.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c show alternative embodiments of a centering unitarranged centrally inside a carrier.

FIGS. 2 d and 2 e show a ball-shaped snap-in element connected to thecarrier, in a position located outside a closure lid, and in a positioninserted into the closure lid.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c show alternative embodiments of a reagent vessellid.

FIG. 3 d shows an alternative embodiment of a snap-in element formed onthe underside of the carrier.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show external views of the closure lid according tothe representation in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c.

FIG. 5 a shows the components of a reagent cartridge with three reagentcontainers.

FIG. 5 b shows the reagent cartridge in the assembled state.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a slotted snap-in element.

FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a snap-in element.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a ball-shaped snap-in element and a cone-shapedsnap-in element, respectively, which interact with a depression in areagent vessel lid.

FIG. 10.1 shows a first alternative embodiment of a snap-in elementdesigned as a leaf spring.

FIG. 10.2 shows a second alternative embodiment of a snap-in elementdesigned as a leaf spring.

FIG. 10.3 shows a slotted design of a snap-in element.

FIG. 10.4 shows an alternative embodiment of a snap-in element with acrossed slit.

FIG. 10.5 shows an alternative embodiment of a snap-in element designedas a clip.

FIG. 10.6 shows an alternative embodiment of the snap-in element in apin shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Different views of an analysis system with a reagent cartridge openingmodule are shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c.

A cartridge 120 positioned in an analysis system 100 contains threereagent vessels 110, 111, two of the reagent vessels 111 being closed,while one reagent vessel 110 is in the opened state. An opening moduleof the analysis system 100 in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b is identified byreference number 1.

The reagent cartridge opening module 1 of the analysis system 100 has acarrier 2 which, at its lower end, has a catch element 4 in the form ofa sleeve which is pushed over a lid 20. In the position shown, the catchelement 4 is locked in a reagent vessel lid 20. The reagent vessel lid20 has a depression 22 into which the snap-in element of the reagentcartridge opening module 1 is inserted. Snap-in elements 5 of thereagent cartridge opening module 1 and of the reagent vessel lid 20 aredesigned complementing one another, so that the reagent vessel lid 20and the reagent cartridge opening module 1 can be connected to oneanother and the reagent vessel lid 20 clings to the reagent cartridgeopening module, i.e. on the carrier 2 of the latter. A detaileddescription of the snap-in elements 5, designed on the carrier 2 and inthe top of the reagent vessel lid 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1c, is given below, and detailed alternative embodiments of the snap-inelements can be taken from FIGS. 2 d, 2 e, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d andalso from FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9.

In the illustrated position of the reagent cartridge opening module 1,it is possible in principle that the reagent cartridge opening module 1is also used for reclosing the reagent vessels 110, 111 or that thereagent cartridge opening module 1 first discards the reagent vessel lidbefore the reagent cartridge opening module 1 can then be used to workon the remaining reagent vessels 110, 111.

To discard the reagent vessel lid 20, the reagent cartridge module can,for example, be positioned directly over a discard station (not shown)at which the reagent vessel lid 20 is detached from the reagentcartridge opening module 1. However, if the reagent vessel 110, 111 isto be closed again, the reagent cartridge opening module is first movedby a drive unit 112 in the Z direction to the reagent vessel 110, 111until the reagent vessel lid 20 fits onto the vessel neck 130. By meansof a rotational movement of the carrier 2 in the X-Y plane, the reagentvessel lid 20 is screwed onto the reagent vessel 110, 111, with at thesame time continuation of the movement in the Z direction by an amountcorresponding to the rotational movement.

FIG. 2 a shows details of a reagent cartridge opening module 1 foropening reagent vessels 110, 111, with a carrier 2 in which a centeringunit 3 is movably guided. The centering unit 3 is arranged centrally inthe carrier 2 and extends along the carrier 2 inside a guide 12. Thecentering unit 3 is also connected to the carrier 2 via springs 8, 9. Atits lower end, the centering unit 3 has a snap-in element 5 which ishere designed in the form of a ball. The snap-in element 5 is surroundedby the catch element 4 of the carrier 2. As in FIG. 1 c, the catchelement 4 is designed in the form of a sleeve, the inside of the sleevebeing provided with longitudinal ribs/longitudinal channels (not shown)which permit locking in a correspondingly designed reagent vessel lid20. The springs 8, 9 of the reagent cartridge opening module 1 are ineach case mounted via abutments 11, 7 of the centering unit 3 and of thecarrier 2, respectively. The reagent cartridge opening module 1 isconnected via a drive shaft 6 to a drive unit 112 (FIG. 1 b) which caneffect both a rotational movement of the centering unit 3 and also,perpendicular to this, a linear movement of the centering unit 3. In itsupper area, the centering unit 3 can be designed as a hexagon. Acorresponding formation of the guide 12 of the carrier 2 ensures thatthe centering unit 3 is fixed in terms of rotation in the carrier 2.

A rotational movement of the centering unit 3 thus automatically effectsa rotation of the carrier 2. Of course, embodiments are also conceivablein which the centering unit 3 is received free in terms of rotation inthe carrier 2. To achieve a rotational movement of the carrier 2, thecarrier 2 is then driven directly.

To open a reagent vessel 110, 111, a drive unit (not shown) is used tomove the centering unit 3, and with it the carrier 2, in the Z directionalong an axis 16 of the reagent cartridge opening module 1. When thelower end of the carrier 2 meets a cover plate of the reagent vessel lid20, or the catch elements 43 provided there (see view in FIG. 4 a), thecarrier 2 generally at first sits on the cover plate of the reagentvessel lid 20. In this position, there is no exact positioning of thecatch elements 4 of the carrier 2 with respect to the catch elements 43of the reagent vessel lid 20, so that the catch elements 43 of thereagent vessel lid 20 and the catch elements 4 of the carrier 2 at firstpossibly do not engage in one another. When the carrier 2 lies on thereagent vessel lid 20, a continued movement of the carrier 2 in the Zdirection is stopped. A continuing movement of the centering unit 3 inthe Z direction has the effect that the centering unit 3 moves onwardsinside the carrier 2 in the Z direction. In this way, the spring 8,which has less spring strength compared to the spring 9, is initiallycompressed, as is shown in FIG. 2 b. At the same time, the snap-inelement 5 moves in the Z direction and emerges from the sleeve 13 of thecarrier 2. In doing so, the snap-in element 5 engages in connection withthe corresponding snap-in element of the reagent vessel lid 20. By meansof a slight rotational movement of the drive shaft 6, the snap-inelement 5 secured on the centering unit 3 is then turned inside thereagent vessel lid 20, with the carrier 2 and thus the catch element 4following the rotational movement. The rotational movement takes placeuntil the catch elements 4 of the carrier 2 and the catch elements 43 ofthe reagent vessel lid 20 are correctly positioned with respect to oneanother and can lock in one another. The outer sleeve 13 of the carrier2 can now engage in the catch elements 43 of the reagent vessel lid 20,the sleeve 13 of the carrier 2 being pushed with the catch elements 4over the reagent vessel lid 20. A further rotational movement of thedrive shaft 6 has the effect that the reagent vessel lid 20 follows therotational movement, because the catch elements 4 and 43 are lockedsecurely in terms of rotation, and thus the reagent vessel 110, 111 canbe screwed open. It should be noted that the catch elements of thereagent vessel lids 20 can be designed as longitudinal ribs 43 as inFIG. 4 a and also as longitudinal channels 21 as in FIG. 2 e.

A slight reverse movement of the reagent cartridge opening module 1 inthe Z direction is effected in order not to impede the unscrewing of thereagent vessel lid 20.

FIGS. 2 b and c show the described procedure for opening a reagentvessel 110, 111. It is of course also possible to position the reagentcartridge opening module 1 relative to the reagent vessel lid 20directly in such a way that the catch elements 4 and 43 can immediatelyengage in one another and a sleeve 13 of the carrier 2 is already pushedover parts of the reagent vessel lid 20 before the snap-in element 5engages in connection with the reagent vessel lid 20.

The described procedure permits preliminary centering of the centeringunit 3 and thus of the carrier 2 relative to the reagent vessel lid 20,affording simplification of control processes in the analysis system100. When the screw connection between reagent vessel 110, 111 andreagent vessel lid 20 is released by the rotational movement of thereagent cartridge opening module 1, this is moved away from the reagentvessel 110, 111 in the Z direction. The reagent vessel lid 20 can now bediscarded into a waste container. To release the reagent vessel lid 20from the reagent cartridge opening module 1, projections 14 of thecarrier 2 are guided against a positionally fixed limit stop 15. If thereagent cartridge opening module 1 is moved in the Z direction, so thatthe carrier 2 in the analysis device abuts against the limit stop 15,only the centering unit 3 is moved inside the carrier 2, and the reagentvessel lid 20 connected to the centering unit 3 follows the movement, asis shown in FIG. 2 c. The spring 9 is thus compressed, the spring 8relaxed. The reagent vessel lid 20 follows the movement of the snap-inelement 5 until the reagent vessel lid 20 inside the carrier 2 is guidedagainst the end face 10 of the blind hole. By means of the verticalmovement of the centering unit 3 relative to the carrier 2, which isheld back by the limit stop 15, the centering unit 3 is pulled backrelative to the carrier 2 until the reagent vessel lid 20 is pressedagainst the end face 10 of the blind hole, and in the further movementthe snap-fit connection between reagent vessel lid 20 and reagentcartridge opening module 1 is released and the reagent vessel lid 20falls from the sleeve 13 of the carrier 2. The reagent vessel lid 20 isnow no longer attached to the reagent cartridge opening module 1, andthe latter can be used for further reagent vessels 110, 111.

FIGS. 2 d and 2 e illustrate in detail the snap-fit connection, shown inFIGS. 2 a and 2 c, between reagent cartridge opening module 1 andreagent vessel lid 20. The snap-in element 5 of the centering unit 3 isdesigned in the form of a ball, as has already been shown. Acorrespondingly adapted reagent vessel lid 20 has a depression 22 whichprojects into the interior of the lid and ends in a conically shapedtip, thereby forming a snap-in element 23. Thus, in addition to itsfunction according to the invention, a reagent vessel lid 20 designed inthis way also has the possibility of being used in a method with a lowsample throughput, as is described in the prior art. The reagent vessellid 20 also has sealing lips 25 which ensure reliable sealing of thereagent vessel 110, 111 in the closed state. The outer jacket of thereagent vessel lid 20 has catch elements 43 in the form of longitudinalribs, as have already been described in connection with FIG. 1. In anupper area 24, the depression 22 is formed by concave recesses, so as topromote a reliable snap-fit connection with the ball-shaped snap-inelement 5 of the centering unit.

FIG. 2 e shows the already described procedure in which the carrier 2,in its lower area, is pushed over the reagent vessel lid 20, the lockingelements of the carrier 2 and of the reagent vessel lid 20 each lockingin one another. At the same time, the ball-shaped snap-in element 5snaps into the depression 22 of the reagent vessel lid 20. The suitablyconcave shape of the depression 22 in the upper area 24 of the reagentvessel lid 20 not only ensures a reliable snap-fit connection, but alsoensures that the plastic of the reagent vessel lid 20 is not exposed toany excessive stresses when the ball-shaped snap-in element 5 is snappedinto place, thereby avoiding damage to the reagent vessel lid 20. Thisis particularly important if the reagent vessel lid 20 is not discardedafter opening, but instead is intended to be used to re-close thereagent vessel 110, 111 in the further course of the operatingprocedure.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d show different embodiments of reagent vessellid and snap-in element.

FIG. 3 a shows a cross section through a reagent vessel lid 20 whichaccording to the invention is connected via a thread 31 to a vessel neck130 (FIG. 5 a) of a reagent vessel 30. The reagent vessel lid 20 has athread portion, which in the use according to the invention, isconnected in this thread area to the vessel neck 130 and its thread 31.

The reagent vessel lid 20 has a conically shaped depression 22. Thecomplementary snap-in element 5 of the centering unit 3 has a conicalshape which is convex in its upper area 32 a. Because of the conicalshape of the snap-in element 5, a preliminary centering of the reagentcartridge opening module 1 relative to the reagent vessel 111 ispossible, as has already been described. The convexly shaped area 32 aadditionally permits a secure snap-fit connection.

To lock the reagent vessel lid 20 into the reagent cartridge openingmodule 1, the reagent vessel lid 20 has, in an upper area, catchelements 33 which are integrated into the cover plate of the reagentvessel lid. As has already been shown in FIG. 2, the reagent vessel lid20 also has sealing lips 25 which ensure reliable sealing of thecontents of the vessel. However, if the catch elements 43 of the reagentvessel lid 20 are not integrated into the cover plate of the reagentvessel lid 20, but instead are designed as longitudinal channels 21, asin FIG. 2 d, this places demands on the reagent cartridge to satisfy thespace requirement of the reagent cartridge opening module 1.

If the reagent cartridge opening module 1 is consequently used in ananalysis system 100 in which there is only slight space, or no space,available for integration of the reagent cartridge opening module 1, thereagent vessel 110, 111 can be made smaller. For this purpose, it ispossible, for example, to reduce the thread depth 39 of the thread 31 soas to minimize the diameter of the lid. However, any reduction of thethread depth 39 should only be to an extent which ensures a reliablesealing of the reagent vessel 110, 111 and sufficient stability of thereagent vessel lid 20 and of the sealing lips 25.

FIG. 3 b shows an embodiment of the snap-in elements 5 which iscomplementary to that in FIG. 3 a. The snap-in element 5 according toFIG. 3 b is of conical shape, so that, once again, insertion of thesnap-in element 5 into the depression 22 of the reagent vessel lid 20 ismade easier upon application of the reagent cartridge opening module 1.The snap-in element 5 has a snap-in groove 32 b as concave ring.

As is shown in detail in FIG. 3 c, the reagent vessel lid 20 has acorresponding protuberance 34 into which the snap-in element 5 can snap.A concavely shaped embodiment of the snap-in element 5, as shown in FIG.3 d, is of course also possible without the snap-in element 5 being madeconical above the snap-in groove 32 b; in the alternative embodiment ofthe snap-in element 5 in the view in FIG. 3 d, it extends in a cylindershape above the snap-in groove 32 b.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show preferred alternative embodiments of a reagentvessel lid 20. The latter has, in a cover plate 40, a depression 22which serves as a snap-in element 5. In an upper area 42 of the jacketof the reagent vessel lid, a toothed structure 44 is formed on the coverplate 40, which toothed structure 44 can lock in a corresponding catchelement of the carrier 2. To facilitate insertion of the catch elementsin one another, the toothed structure 44 has an oblique configuration.In its lower area 41, the reagent vessel lid 20 has longitudinal ribs 43which are used to screw the reagent vessel lid 20 onto the reagentvessel 110, 111 in the production process. In the upper area 42,however, the longitudinal ribs 43 are not continued, so that here thelid diameter can be reduced. Because of the reduced diameter of the lid,a sleeve 13 for example, as shown in the earlier figures, can be pushedover the reagent vessel lid 20. For the preliminary centering of thecatch elements, the sleeve 13 for example is pushed over the upper area42, the centering unit 3 additionally snapping into the reagent vessellid 20. The catch elements 4 of the carrier 2 are then arranged in anupper area of the sleeve 13, so that they can lock into the catchelements in the cover plate 40 of the reagent vessel lid 20 when thesleeve 13 is already pushed over the area 42 of the reagent vessel lid20. In this way, the carrier 2 can be positioned relative to the reagentvessel lid 20 by the sleeve 13 alone or in addition to the snap-fitconnection. Engagement of the catch elements in one another can thus beeasily ensured. By this means, catch elements of small size can also bereliably positioned with respect to one another and lock in one another,without imposing great demands on precise control of the carrier 2 or onthe design of the catch elements.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show by way of example a plurality of reagent vessels110, 111 which have a closure according to the invention and which arejoined together to form a reagent kit. FIG. 5 a shows the reagentvessels 110 in the opened state. The reagent vessels 110, 111 have areagent vessel neck 130 with an opening for removal of a fluid containedin the reagent vessel 110, 111. The reagent vessel neck 130 also has athread 31, so that the reagent vessel 110, 111 can be closed by screwingof the reagent vessel lid 20. The reagent vessel lids are designedanalogously to those in FIG. 4 and have a toothed structure 44, whichconstitute the catch element of the closure cap of the reagent vessellid 20, and have a depression 22 as snap-in element 5 of the reagentvessel lid 20, as has already been described in connection with FIG. 4.

In an area 140 of the reagent vessels 110, 111 below the reagent vesselnecks 130, the reagent vessels 110, 111 have a groove 141 whichinteracts with a corresponding channel 153 of a top 150 and enters intoa snap-fit connection with this. The top 150 is in this way firmlyconnected to the reagent vessel, with positioning of the reagent vessels110, 111 relative to one another. The top 150 has up to three recesses151 which are shaped corresponding to the circumference of the reagentvessel lid 20. In the assembled state of reagent vessel 110, 111 and top150, a plane is formed by the cover plate 40 of the reagent vessel lid20 and a by cover plate 154 of the top 150. The top 150 also hasrecesses 152 which permit transport of the reagent kit within theanalysis system 100. The analysis system 100 for this purpose hasgripper means which engage in the recesses 152 and permit lifting oradjustment of the reagent kit. The reagent vessels 110, 111 have, intheir lower area, an obliquely shaped vessel bottom (not shown) taperingtowards the center. This is intended to ensure that a pipette needle,which always sucks fluid from the center of the reagent vessel 110, 111,can also easily remove small amounts of fluid residues from the reagentvessel 110, 111. To ensure that the reagent vessels 110, 111 can besecurely placed and transported in the analysis device 100 despite theobliquely shaped bottom plate, the reagent vessels 110, 111 have abottom area 143 in which the reagent vessel 110, 111 is in each caseplaced and held. The bottom area 143 can be divided along partitions 144into individual bottom parts 145, 146, 147. Each reagent vessel 110, 111has its own clip-on bottom part 145, 146, 147. The reagent vessels 110,111 are individually filled and screwed closed, each with its bottompart 145, 146, 147 in place, and only then mounted in a cartridge.

It would also be conceivable to clamp the reagent vessels 110, 111 andthe bottom area 143 together to ensure that the reagent vessels 110, 111are securely held inside the bottom area 143. The bottom area 143, whichcan also be made as one piece, has a flat bottom plate, permittingreliable placement of the reagent vessels 110, 111 in the analysissystem 100. A reagent kit, in which the reagent vessels 110, 111 arejoined together by means of a top 154 to form a reagent kit, isdescribed, for example, in EP 0 692 308. The reagent kit can, forexample, be made up of three reagent vessels 110, 111, as is shown inFIG. 5 a, or of two reagent vessels 110, 111, as is shown in FIG. 5 b.If an identical top 150 is used for reagent kits with a different numberof reagent vessels 110, 111, this means that, as is shown in FIG. 5 b,some of the recesses 151 for the reagent vessel lids 20 are notutilized. However, this is of no great importance for the course of ananalysis procedure.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a slotted snap-in element.

A slotted snap-in element 51 comprises a slit which extends parallel tothe axis of symmetry and which can be designed in a first slit length52. Depending on the desired resiliency properties of the slottedsnap-in element 51, the slit can have a first length 52.1 and a furtherlength 52.2. Reference number 53 indicates the slit width. This too canbe varied, as is indicated by the greater slit width 53.1 in FIG. 6. Thelongitudinal slit ends at the tip 61 of the slotted snap-in element 51.On its circumferential face, it has a snap-in channel 32 b which isconcave and ring-shaped. Above the snap-in channel 32 b, the slottedsnap-in element 51 extends with a cylindrical contour 59, whereas thearea of the slotted snap-in element 51 lying below the snap-in channel32 b is essentially conical.

FIG. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of a snap-in element.

The illustration in FIG. 7 shows a divided snap-in element 54 which hasa first snap-in element half 55 and a second snap-in element half 56.The snap-in element halves 55 and 56 are connected to one another in anarticulated manner at a hinge 58, and a spring 57 is arranged betweenthe inner sides of the snap-in element halves 55, 56. The jacketsurfaces of the snap-in element halves 55, 56, shown in cross section,also have a concavely shaped snap-in channel 32 b. Above the snap-inchannel 32 b, the snap-in element halves 55, 56 extend in a cylindricalcontour 59. Below the snap-in channel 32 b, the snap-in element halves55, 56 are approximately conical, tapering to a point 61.

With the alternative embodiments of snap-in elements which are shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 and which are connected to a carrier 2 (not shown here), asnap-fit connection with a reagent vessel lid 20 can be obtained whichalso takes account of slight production tolerances. The resiliency ofthe snap-in elements shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, whether provided with alongitudinal slit or designed in two parts, ensures reliable gripping ofthe reagent vessel lid 20.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show how a ball-shaped snap-in element or, respectively, asnap-in element designed with a snap-in channel interacts withcorresponding depressions inside the reagent vessel lid 20.

FIG. 8 shows a ball-shaped snap-in element 5 formed on a carrier 2 whichcan be moved in the direction of insertion 63 onto the reagent vessellid 20. The reagent vessel lid 20 has the snap-in element 23 which, inthe illustration in FIG. 8, is configured as a smooth cone surface orconically shaped tip 60. The ball-shaped snap-in element 5 penetratesinto the snap-in element 23 and is fixed by a circumferential snap-inchannel 62. The circumferential snap-in channel 62 is located in theupper area 24 of the conically shaped tip 60.

FIG. 9 shows a snap-in element 5 which is formed on a carrier 2 and onwhich a snap-in channel 32 b is formed. The snap-in element 5 has acylinder part 59. When the snap-in element 5 designed with the snap-inchannel 32 b is moved in the direction of insertion 63 towards theconically shaped tip of snap-in element 23 of the reagent vessel lid 20,the protuberance 34 in the upper area 24 of the snap-in element 23 locksinto the snap-in channel 32 b of the snap-in element 5, by which means asecure snap-fit connection is established.

The illustrations in FIGS. 10.1 to 10.6 show various alternativeembodiments of a snap-in element used on a reagent cartridge openingmodule 1.

For example, the snap-in element 5 shown in FIG. 10.1 can be designed asa leaf spring 64, with a number of spring tongues 65 adjoining acylindrical portion 59 of the carrier 2. The spring tongues 65 of theresilient snap-in element 64 can be oriented at an angle of 90° to oneanother, although this is not absolutely necessary. Thus, the individualspring tongues 65 could also be arranged at an angle of 120° to oneanother. Each of the spring tongues 65 has a recess of concave shape 32b which interacts with a complementary raised part in the wall materialof the depression 22 of the reagent vessel lid 20.

FIG. 10.2 also shows a snap-in element 5, which can be designed as aslotted leaf spring 51. On the carrier 2, which merges into theresilient snap-in element 51, recesses 66 are arranged on both sides ofa longitudinal slit formed in a first slit length 52. A cylinder part 59extends below the recesses 66. This cylinder part 59 is in turn adjoinedby the concave shape 32 b which rounds out into a tip 61 of the snap-inelement 51 designed as a leaf spring. By means of the material weaknessafforded by the recesses 66 on the circumference of the carrier 2, acertain elasticity is imparted to the halves of the slotted snap-inelement 51 separated by the slit 52.

FIG. 10.3 also shows a snap-in element 5 in which the recesses 66 areabsent and which is designed only with a slit 68. Because of the missingrecesses 66, the elasticity of the two halves of the snap-in elementseparated by the slit 52 is considerably less than the elasticity of thesnap-in element 51 above whose cylinder part 59 the recesses 66 arelocated. The snap-in element 5 designed with a slit 68 also has, abovethe tip 61, a concave shape 32 b designed as a circumferential groove.

Furthermore, FIG. 10.4 shows an alternative embodiment of a snap-inelement 5 which is provided with a crossed slit 67. This means that theindividual circumferential segments of the snap-in element 5 which areseparated from one another by the crossed slit 67 are given anelasticity which is greater than the elasticity of the snap-in element 5having a single slit 68. The individual segments of the snap-in elementwhich are separated from one another by the crossed slit 67 also have,above the tip 61, a concave recess 32 b which interacts with adepression 22 (not shown in FIG. 10) of the reagent vessel lid 20, ashas been described in detail above.

In addition, FIG. 10.5 shows an alternative embodiment of a snap-inelement 5 designed as a clip 69. The clip 69 comprises individual clipbranches 71 which are arranged at an angle of approximately 90° to oneanother. The individual clip branches 71 also have a concave shape 32 bon their outer circumference. Moreover, the clip 69 is of tubular designand has a hollow cavity 72 extending in the axial direction of the clip69.

In addition, FIG. 10.6 shows a further alternative embodiment of asnap-in element designed as a simple pin 70, the carrier 2 having acylinder part in which, in the lower area above the tip 61, acircumferential groove of concave shape 32 b is formed.

Depending on the embodiment and on the desired stiffness, possiblematerials for the resilient snap-in elements 5 shown in FIGS. 10.1 and10.2 include plastics with good slide and resiliency properties (forexample POM) and metals, such as steel, or other spring materials, forexample phosphor bronze. Metal materials are preferably used in theembodiments of the snap-in element 5 shown in FIGS. 10.1 and 10.2, andalso for the snap-in element 5 designed as a clip in the illustration inFIG. 10.5.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 reagent cartridge opening module-   2 carrier-   3 centering unit-   4 catch element-   5 snap-in element-   6 drive shaft-   7 first abutment-   8 first spring-   9 second spring-   10 first projections-   11 second abutment-   12 guide-   13 sleeve-   14 second projections-   15 holding device-   16 axis-   20 reagent vessel lid-   21 longitudinal channels-   22 depression-   23 conical tip-   24 upper area-   25 sealing lips-   31 thread-   32 a convex shape of snap-in element-   32 b concave shape of snap-in element-   33 catch element-   34 protuberance-   39 thread depth-   40 cover plate-   42 vessel lid jacket-   43 longitudinal ribs-   44 toothed structures-   50 soft part-   51 slotted snap-in element-   52 first slit length-   52.1 second slit length-   52.2 third slit length-   53 first slit width-   53.1 second slit width-   54 divided snap-in element-   55 first snap-in element half-   56 second snap-in element half-   57 spring element-   58 hinge-   59 cylinder part of snap-in element-   60 smooth jacket surface of 23-   61 tip of the snap-in element-   62 peripheral channel-   63 direction of insertion-   64 snap-in element-   65 spring tongue-   66 recess-   67 crossed slit-   68 slit-   69 clip-   70 pin-   71 clip branch-   72 hollow cavity

1. A method for opening reagent vessels comprising: providing a snap-fitconnection between a snap-in element of a reagent cartridge openingmodule and a snap-in element of a reagent vessel lid without a necessityfor rotation therebetween, the reagent vessel lid being connected by ascrewable connection to a reagent vessel; locking a catch element of thereagent cartridge opening module into a catch element of the reagentvessel lid, wherein the snap-in element of the reagent vessel lid andthe catch element of the reagent vessel lid are permanently integratedinto the reagent vessel lid and wherein the reagent vessel lid and thereagent cartridge opening module lock securely against rotation aboutone another; turning the catch element of the reagent cartridge openingmodule, as a result of which a rotational movement of the reagent vessellid is effected until the screwable connection between the reagentvessel lid and the reagent vessel is essentially released; and movingthe snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module into adirection which is essentially perpendicular to the plane of therotational movement, wherein the reagent vessel lid clings to thesnap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module and at leastpartially follows the movement of the latter.
 2. The method for openingreagent vessels according to claim 1, further comprising centering thesnap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module relative to thesnap-in element of the reagent vessel lid before providing the snap-fitconnection.
 3. The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim1 further comprising providing a carrier which, at its lower end,provides the catch element of the reagent cartridge opening module. 4.The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim 1 furthercomprising providing a centering unit which, at its lower end, providesthe snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module.
 5. Themethod for opening reagent vessels according to claim 1 furthercomprising: providing a carrier which, at its lower end, provides thecatch element of the reagent cartridge opening module; and automaticallypositioning the catch element arranged on the carrier, relative to thecenter of the reagent vessel lid.
 6. The method for opening reagentvessels according to claim 1 further comprising: providing a carrierwhich, at its lower end, provides the catch element of the reagentcartridge opening module; and moving the carrier and snap-in element ofthe reagent cartridge opening module in the direction which isessentially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movementtowards the snap-in element of the reagent vessel lid.
 7. The method foropening reagent vessels according to claim 1 further comprising:providing a carrier which, at its lower end, provides the catch elementof the reagent cartridge opening module; providing a centering unitwhich, at its lower end, provides the snap-in element of the reagentcartridge opening module; and automatically matching movements of thecarrier and of the centering unit to one another.
 8. The method foropening reagent vessels according to claim 1 further comprising:providing a carrier which, at its lower end, provides the catch elementof the reagent cartridge opening module; providing a centering unitinside the carrier, the centering unit, at its lower end, provides thesnap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module; automaticallypositioning the catch element arranged on the carrier, relative to thecenter of the reagent vessel lid; and moving the carrier and centeringunit in the direction which is essentially perpendicular to the plane ofthe rotational movement towards the snap-in element of the reagentvessel lid to lock the catch element of the reagent cartridge openingmodule into the catch element of the reagent vessel lid and to providethe snap-fit connection.
 9. The method for opening reagent vesselsaccording to claim 1 further comprising providing relative movementbetween the snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module andthe catch element of the reagent cartridge opening module to release thesnap fit connection.
 10. The method for opening reagent vesselsaccording to claim 1 further comprising: providing a carrier which, atits lower end, provides the catch element of the reagent cartridgeopening module; and providing a drive unit which is operably coupled tothe carrier to turn the catch element.
 11. The method for openingreagent vessels according to claim 1 further comprising: providing acarrier which, at its lower end, provides the catch element of thereagent cartridge opening module; providing a centering unit which, atits lower end, provides the snap-in element of the reagent cartridgeopening module; automatically matching movements of the carrier and ofthe centering unit to one another; and triggering relative movementbetween the carrier and the centering unit upon bringing bearingsurfaces of the carrier up against a positionally fixed limit stop. 12.The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim 1 furthercomprising: providing a carrier which, at its lower end, provides thecatch element of the reagent cartridge opening module; providing acentering unit inside the carrier, the centering unit, at its lower end,provides the snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module;automatically positioning the catch element arranged on the carrier,relative to the center of the reagent vessel lid; moving automaticallytogether the carrier and centering unit in the direction which isessentially perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movementtowards the snap-in element of the reagent vessel lid; and triggeringrelative movement between the carrier and the centering unit uponbringing bearing surfaces of the carrier up against a positionally fixedlimit stop.
 13. The method for opening reagent vessels according toclaim 1, further comprising implementing said method in an analysissystem.
 14. A method for opening reagent vessels comprising: providing areagent cartridge opening module having a carrier which, at its lowerend, provides a catch element, and a centering unit inside the carrier,the centering unit, at its lower end, provides a snap-in element;centering the snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening modulerelative to a snap-in element of a reagent vessel lid, the reagentvessel lid being connected by a screwable connection to a reagentvessel; moving automatically together the carrier and centering unit inan essentially perpendicular direction towards the snap-in element ofthe reagent vessel lid; providing a snap-fit connection between thesnap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module and the snap-inelement of the reagent vessel lid without a necessity for rotationtherebetween; locking the catch element of the carrier into a catchelement of the reagent vessel lid, wherein the snap-in element of thereagent vessel lid and the catch element of the reagent vessel lid arepermanently integrated into the reagent vessel lid and wherein thereagent vessel lid and the reagent cartridge opening module locksecurely against rotation about one another; turning the catch elementof the carrier, as a result of which a rotational movement of thereagent vessel lid is effected until the screwable connection betweenthe reagent vessel lid and the reagent vessel is essentially released;moving the snap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module in adirection which is essentially perpendicular to the plane of therotational movement, wherein the reagent vessel lid clings to thesnap-in element of the reagent cartridge opening module and at leastpartially follows the movement of the latter; and triggering relativemovement between the carrier and the centering unit upon bringingbearing surfaces of the carrier against a positionally fixed limit stopto release the snap-fit connection.
 15. The method for opening reagentvessels according to claim 14, further comprising providing a drive unitwhich is operably coupled to the carrier to turn the catch element. 16.The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim 14, furthercomprising implementing said method in an analysis system.
 17. Themethod for opening reagent vessels according to claim 14, furthercomprising providing the snap-in element of the reagent cartridgeopening module with a concave shape.
 18. The method for opening reagentvessels according to claim 14, further comprising providing the snap-inelement of the reagent cartridge opening module with a convex shape. 19.The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim 14, furthercomprising providing the snap-in element of the reagent cartridgeopening module with a conical shape.
 20. The method for opening reagentvessels according to claim 14, further comprising providing the catchelement of the reagent cartridge opening module with a tooth structure.21. The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim 14,further comprising providing the reagent vessel lid with teeth on thecover plate.
 22. The method for opening reagent vessels according toclaim 14, further comprising providing the reagent vessel lid with atapered cone portion.
 23. The method for opening reagent vesselsaccording to claim 14, further comprising providing the snap-in elementof the reagent cartridge opening module with a depression which has agroove on the inside.
 24. The method for opening reagent vesselsaccording to claim 14, further comprising providing the snap-in elementof the reagent cartridge opening module with a depression which has aprotuberance on the inside.
 25. The method for opening reagent vesselsaccording to claim 14, further comprising providing the snap-in elementof the reagent cartridge opening module as hinged snap-in elementhalves.
 26. The method for opening reagent vessels according to claim14, further comprising providing the snap-in element of the reagentcartridge opening module as a slotted snap-in element that is designedconically or cylindrically above a snap-fit groove and which has atapered end.